Eladio "Desi" Marroquin

Eladio "Desi" Marroquin, age 86, of Tawas City and formerly of Oscoda passed away on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012 at his home.
He was born in Mexico and was one of 23 brothers and sisters. Eladio married his dear wife, Frances Mendez, in 1955.
Eladio R. Marroquin moved to Pennsylvania in 1944, became a U.S. citizen with the military and proudly served our country for more than 20 years. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1945 and served until retiring from the United States Air Force in 1965. Eladio served in Panama, Okinawa, Korea and in Germany.
Staff Sgt. Eladio R. Marroquin was the recipient of one of the military's highest honors, the Distinguished Flying Cross, in Korea as a bombardier for saving his crew. While on a flight returning from a bombing run, the last bomb was stuck. The armed bomb was caught up in the carriage mechanism, with the bomb bay doors open. If they had tried to land, the plane would have exploded and killed everyone aboard and possible ground casualties.
Thinking only of his crew members safety, Staff Sgt. Marroquin climbed out to dislodge the bomb by climbing out underneath the bomb bay doors, with only open ground beneath and wrestled the bomb out of carriage, allowing it to let loose. At that same time, his bomber was being strafed by enemy MiGs ,which had blown the turret right off the plane, where he would have normally been seated – a great stroke of luck. This selfless act saved the lives of his entire crew. Desi was a very humble man and never talked about his accomplishments. It wasn't until the end of a recent impromptu discussion, the family heard the whole story.
Eladio R. Marroquin flew 83 missions when in Europe. He could have rotated back to the states after he'd flown his 30 missions. However, he kept going and while in Europe he flew 53 more. During his military service, Eladio received the following awards and decorations: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (Bronze Clasp with five bronze loops) and the Air Force Longevity Award with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.
After the military, Eladio and his wife, Frances, built their restaurant, and bait and tackle businesses, laying the building's bricks with their own hands and with the help of their friends. They built a very successful and well loved restaurant named "Desi's" – a nickname given to him by his military buddies. They operated the restaurant business and several taverns as their second career, until retiring. The original food and ambience was true to the unique family recipes; and has never since been duplicated.
In addition, he took leadership roles in many civic organizations, such as organizing and building the Sportsmen's Club located near High Banks, where families could enjoy snow machining, sledding, barbecues and pig roasts to benefit fundraisers for various organizations. He was an active member of the National Rifle Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Eagles and Moose Lodge. Desi continued to enjoy playing euchre with his friends up until the week before he succumbed.
Desi was also an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed his Michigan surroundings and loved to bring home fresh perch, walleye and venison to his family. We are very sure the perch, walleye and deer in northeastern Michigan are now breathing much easier; and their population should increase substantially, with Desi's departure. He certainly stomped on the terra for 86 years and became a household name wherever he went. His generosity and kindness will be remembered by all. Happy Hunting Desi!
He is survived by his wife, Frances Marroquin; along with sons and daughters, Dallas (Andrea) Marroquin of Georgia, Joseph Marroquin of Pennsylvania, Guadalupe Marroquin (Kelly) of Alaska and Benita (David) Marroquin Nesbitt of New York; one brother, Zacarias Marroquin; 10 grandchildren (Camy, Jessica, Patrick, Andrea, Joseph, John, Michael, Andrew, Mathew and Ella); and six great grandchildren (Nicholas, Zackary, Edana, RJ, Alexandria and Lillian). He was preceded in death by his son, Eladio R. Marroquin Jr., who died in Vietnam.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m. at Buresh Kobs Funeral Home (www.bureshfuneralhomes.com) followed by a Catholic service and military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Seton Cancer Center – Tawas St. Joseph Hospital, Tawas City (www.sjhsys.org/seton_cancer_institute.html). A 2 p.m. lunch at the Moose Lodge following the service will be held to welcome friends.